#28: Co-ordination group of experts

Coordination groups consist of experts from  different ministries, authorities, or other institutions whose aim is to  establish horizontal, vertical and interdisciplinary networks.

Regular meetings between representatives of different ministries and authorities provide an opportunity for communication and dialogue and help to establish horizontal, vertical and interdisciplinary networks. In addition to the formal channels, it is useful that informal channels of communication are used.

In Austria, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) provides consultation on sustainable approaches to the management of flood risk and the implementation of related risk management plans for the Danube river basin. The body in charge for policy development is the Expert Group on Flood Protection (FP EC), which produced the current Action Program for Sustainable Flood Protection in the Danube River and is responsible for the monitoring of its implementation at national level. Similarly, the Expert group defines tasks for the implementation of the EU Floods Directive in the

The context comprises all overarching societal and environmental factors that may influence but can hardly be influenced by the water governance and management system.

of the Danube River Basin, for example with the preparation of maps for flood hazard and risks and the Flood Risk Management Plan for the Danube River Basin.